Flying luxury superyacht poised for lift off in Korea

This is the Wing Ship Superyacht – what could be the world’s first flying luxury yacht, if trials in Korea are successful.

Manufactured by Korean Wing Ship Technology Corp, which is based in Daejeon, Republic of Korea, the project is being supported by DSME (Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co Ltd) with the involvement of the Korean government and several venture capital institutions.

The Wingship can carry up to 50 passengers in ‘fast ferry mode’ at a cruising speed of 180km per hour, much faster than a conventional ferry.

According to recent press reports, the project has been in development for 5 years and is based on the ‘Wing in Ground Effect’ (WIG) phenomena. It is thought to be able to fly within two to five metres of the surface using substantially less power than float planes, helicopters or hovercraft.

Once in flight the WIG craft can achieve a steady ride, unaffected by turbulence or waves. It has a wingspan of 29m and a weight of 18 tonnes.

Director Kang Byung Jae said: “While the primary market for the craft is for fast passenger transport, we are already designing variations of the craft targeted at the fast transport of VIPs and as a flying superyacht with accommodation on board that can be used both under flight and when moored.”